Folks,
I was wondering what people think of what the Quechan tribe has said about reopening the dunes.
They're not bashing the OHV community, but they are concerned about the physical and cultural impact of OHV use along with the law enforcement issues. I've heard many of the same concerns from people within the OHV community.
The Yuma Sun has an article on it at:
http://www.yumasun.com/artman/publish/story_1269.shtml
Cheers,
Spider
Full Version: Quechans on the Dunes
He made some valid points and it is his right to have a voice on how the dunes are used however........
He stated that his tribe has several areas of historical importance but wouldn't disclose the area for fear of vandalism. Since the sand dunes are forever changing, I find it hard to believe that any area could be considered a historical land mark if it has no resembalance to the original area his tribe used years ago. Why are offroaders posing a threat to this historic area when nature has completely changed the scenery?
He also states that he is afraid if we get the closure lifted, then we will not stop with that and keep reaching for more. He is right. I won't rest easy when the closures are lifted. Oceano is next. We tried to rest easy when the enviros took the dunes North of highway 78 from us. Now, they're trying to take more dunes plus all the desert areas that have been closed to OHV use in the last twenty years. The enviros won't stop trying to take our land so the only way I see fit to keep it even is fight back.
He stated that he has seen more and more people flocking to the area in the last 3 years and the injuries also rose. Accidents and injuries will always rise with an increase in population. His bandaid is to keep the closures and have the law enforcement do their job. If the law enforcement was doing their job in the first place, we might have seen accidents and injuries at a much lower level. Besides that though, if more and more people are coming, does it make sense to corral people into a small area? I don't see any logic in this. Since the area is getting more popular, if anything, more area should be opened up. Very few people will stop coming to Glamis so the injuries and accidents will climb to a higher level.
Last but not least, he mentioned that it wasn't so bad when he didn't have to see what was happening. Sounds to me like he just doesn't like looking at offroaders. I feel that way about my enviros. I hate what their doing yet I can't make them all go away. Who am I to play God?
[This message has been edited by Fireballsocal (edited 05-18-2002).]
He stated that his tribe has several areas of historical importance but wouldn't disclose the area for fear of vandalism. Since the sand dunes are forever changing, I find it hard to believe that any area could be considered a historical land mark if it has no resembalance to the original area his tribe used years ago. Why are offroaders posing a threat to this historic area when nature has completely changed the scenery?
He also states that he is afraid if we get the closure lifted, then we will not stop with that and keep reaching for more. He is right. I won't rest easy when the closures are lifted. Oceano is next. We tried to rest easy when the enviros took the dunes North of highway 78 from us. Now, they're trying to take more dunes plus all the desert areas that have been closed to OHV use in the last twenty years. The enviros won't stop trying to take our land so the only way I see fit to keep it even is fight back.
He stated that he has seen more and more people flocking to the area in the last 3 years and the injuries also rose. Accidents and injuries will always rise with an increase in population. His bandaid is to keep the closures and have the law enforcement do their job. If the law enforcement was doing their job in the first place, we might have seen accidents and injuries at a much lower level. Besides that though, if more and more people are coming, does it make sense to corral people into a small area? I don't see any logic in this. Since the area is getting more popular, if anything, more area should be opened up. Very few people will stop coming to Glamis so the injuries and accidents will climb to a higher level.
Last but not least, he mentioned that it wasn't so bad when he didn't have to see what was happening. Sounds to me like he just doesn't like looking at offroaders. I feel that way about my enviros. I hate what their doing yet I can't make them all go away. Who am I to play God?
[This message has been edited by Fireballsocal (edited 05-18-2002).]
Ben?
Im am your God!
Do you feel the sand in your Soul?
]
Nice post.
[This message has been edited by WFO WR500 (edited 05-18-2002).]
Im am your God!
Do you feel the sand in your Soul?
]Nice post.
[This message has been edited by WFO WR500 (edited 05-18-2002).]
Sand is always apart of a duners soul. Thats why we must keep it.
Well posted!!!
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Wile E. Coyote survived flying off a 300 FT. sand dune.....
Well posted!!!
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Wile E. Coyote survived flying off a 300 FT. sand dune.....
Spider, I'm part Cherokee (legally) and you won't hear me crying about all the land that was taken away from my ancestors.
On the flip side, should I be upset because I don't get some profit from the Indian casinos?
On the flip side, should I be upset because I don't get some profit from the Indian casinos?
to add a little to fireball's post. i have said it before and i will say it again. the amount of people in glamis on major weekends is no bigger than most cities in the southland. and with all cities there is crime, injuries and even death. and most cities dont have 40+ cops to take care of it.
I must admit, I know little to nothing about he Quechan tribe. Took a quick look on the web, and read one site, http://www.itcaonline.com/Tribes/quechan.htm. Surprised to read that for a group to state a concern over the desert, that they (Quechan) have a long term lease to a non Indian sand and gravel corporation.
Since I believe in what works for the best of mankind, I would sure go for a casino I could drive to in my sandrail!
On a serious note, if there is in fact a point(s) of history, I would like to see it marked. Many years ago, I met an old timer in the Borrego that took us on a ride, pointing out many different Indian points of history. Both myself and my kids enjoyed it. Once we knew where the spots were, we have been back there many times over the years. There were no signs of any destruction. Just great memories.
Since I believe in what works for the best of mankind, I would sure go for a casino I could drive to in my sandrail!
On a serious note, if there is in fact a point(s) of history, I would like to see it marked. Many years ago, I met an old timer in the Borrego that took us on a ride, pointing out many different Indian points of history. Both myself and my kids enjoyed it. Once we knew where the spots were, we have been back there many times over the years. There were no signs of any destruction. Just great memories.
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